Property markers and
warning signs played a small role in the lighthouse service. Lighthouses
were government property and were important in keeping the mariner safe at
sea, so lighthouse reservations were marked and surveyed. Surveys were conducted, plot plans drawn out and monuments placed at
the property boundaries. Properties were marked with no trespassing signs to
warn people they were entering government property.

Monuments were cement,
limestone or concrete posts made to mark the properties four corners. These
monuments were typically 3 feet high and had USLHE or USLHS engraved, cut or
ground out from the small column made from limestone or other stone. These were important reference points for
the property line and helped tell people where the lighthouse reservation
was. It also helped for future expansion of the reservation also so lines
could be easily seen and surveyed again. See the plot plan below that references the monuments.

Many of these monuments have not survived through the years. When we get
an opportunity to photograph one or acquire one we will post it here.

Warning signs have also not survived the years well. Like other
lighthouse marked items, many were thrown away and discarded when the Coast
Guard took over. Warning signs were posted on pier lights, around
lighthouse property and even on fence post's for example. A few different sizes have
been noted through the years depending on the use required.

The signs pictured here are signs that were used over the years from the
Lighthouse Service to the modern day Cost Guard. Visitors were encouraged at
lighthouse property as noted in many vintage photographs and in the
Instructions to Light Keeper's manual. Light keepers were
expected to show hospitality towards visitors so long as it didn't interfere
with their duties as Light Keepers.

USCG Warning sign circa 1940's to 1950's.

USCG Warning sign circa 1960's to 1970's

USCG Warning sign modern day

Photo to come

Lighthouse property plot plan showing the house, walkway, oil house
and out house marked on this drawing. Property monuments are noted on this
drawing.